Strathspey Steam Railway

20/06/2026

👀 Watch this space. Something festive is coming...

Introducing our brand-new logo for 'Santa's Elf Express' 2026!

Our elves are busy making final preparations behind the scenes, and tickets will be going on sale very soon.

Keep an eye on our page for the launch announcement! 🎄🚂

🎟️ Early bird savings will be available for bookings made shortly after launch.

19/06/2026

🚂 Why is a Black Five called a Black Five? 🚂

Black Fives are so called because they were rated as power class 5 for passenger and goods working by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company (LMS). Because they were used for passenger and goods trains they were designated as ‘mixed traffic’ locos and according to LMS custom they were painted black. They are one of the most successful steam locomotive classes ever built in Britain.

Today, LMS 5025 continues to demonstrate the versatility and reliability that made the Black Fives so highly regarded, as one of the locos hauling our service trains along our Highland Heritage line.

🎟️ Book your journey online: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability.

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Serving Up Summer: Strawberries & Pimm’s Onboard our Heritage Train

Step into the golden age of travel and celebrate the British summer in timeless style. As the whistle blows and we steam* through the breathtaking landscapes along our Heritage line, indulge in the ultimate seasonal treat. Relax in our recently restored Restaurant Car with a refreshing glass of Pimm’s and a bowl of fresh, hand-picked strawberries topped with fresh cream. It’s the perfect match of nostalgic charm and summer indulgence.

Setting off from Platform 3 at Aviemore station, through to Boat of Garten and on to Broomhill, the railway takes you on a twenty-mile round trip along part of the original Highland Railway mainline. As the train passes moorland, through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey, stunning Cairngorm Mountains scenery is ever-present. Join us for a nostalgic journey and savour the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era.

Book your tickets for this special service here: https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/77892?catID=73047&

*steam hauled services subject to operational availability

13/06/2026

🌸🚂 Boat of Garten in Bloom 🚂🌸

If you've travelled with us recently, you may have noticed just how beautiful Boat of Garten Station is looking this summer!

The colourful displays of flowers that brighten our station platforms, windows, and planters don't happen by accident. They are the result of many hours of hard work, care, and dedication from our wonderful volunteers, who have once again done an incredible job creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who visits.

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who help keep our stations looking their very best. Your efforts make a real difference and are appreciated by passengers, visitors, and fellow volunteers alike. 🌼🌺🌿

Did you know that passengers travelling in Standard Class can break their journey at Boat of Garten and return on a later train?

Known as the "Osprey Village", Boat of Garten has plenty to discover. Step back in time at our beautifully preserved station, visit the model railway, explore woodland walks, enjoy the community garden, spot local wildlife, browse the 1896 Gallery, or visit one of our famous filming locations, featured in BBC's The Traitors and several other productions.

Whether you're looking for history, nature, photography, railway heritage or simply a peaceful place to spend a few hours, Boat of Garten is well worth exploring.

📍 Information sheets highlighting things to see and do in the village are available at our stations or by emailing [email protected].

🎟️ Why not make a day of it? Book your journey and discover all that Boat of Garten has to offer.

www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

11/06/2026

Back Under Steam 🚂

In April 2024, LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46464 moved under its own steam for the first time in over 40 years.

Its restoration has taken decades of dedication, engineering skill and volunteer effort. At one stage, the locomotive was completely dismantled and moved to a private restoration site piece by piece.

Seeing 46464 back hauling trains through the Cairngorms is the result of years of determination by the Carmyllie Pilot Company and countless supporters.

📖Some stories are worth waiting for. Today, 46464 is one of the locos which haul our service trains, continuing her remarkable journey in the Highlands.

🎟️ Book your journey online: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability.

10/06/2026

✨ Exclusive Travel in our Officers' Saloon ✨

Did you know you can hire your very own private railway saloon on the Strathspey Railway?

Our beautifully restored Officers' Saloon is divided into two private saloons, each seating up to 6 guests and available for exclusive hire.

🚂 The Chairman's Saloon
Our premium saloon features windows on three sides, offering panoramic views of the Highland scenery. Coupled directly behind the locomotive on the outward journey, and with an open view of the line on the return journey, it provides a truly unique vantage point and is our most exclusive private travel experience.

🚂 The Directors' Saloon
Located at the opposite end of the carriage, the Directors' Saloon offers the same comfortable private accommodation for up to 6 guests, but with windows on two sides rather than three. It provides a luxury experience at a lower price point, making it a fantastic option for families and small groups.

🥂 Travelling as a larger group?

Why not book both saloons together? The two saloons are connected by an internal corridor, allowing guests to move freely between them throughout the journey while still enjoying the privacy of having the entire carriage reserved exclusively for your party.

Your booking also includes:

☕ 10:15 Departure
A continental breakfast with a croissant, Danish pastry, tea, coffee or orange juice.

🍰 12:45 & 15:00 Departures
An indulgent Afternoon 'Steam' Tea served with a glass of Prosecco.

👔 Dedicated onboard steward service throughout your journey.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a memorable day out, the Officers' Saloon offers one of the most exclusive ways to experience the Strathspey Railway.

🎟️ Book your private VIP saloon here:
https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/category/60338
Scroll down this webpage to see the options available. The prices you see, are a package price, for the number of people stated, inclusive of the catering option, return travel and exclusive use of the chosen saloon.

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability

07/06/2026

🚂 The deal that brought 46512 back to life 🚂

46512’s saviours were Eric Cooper and Ted Watkinson. They were two of the four Founding Directors of the Strathspey Railway in 1971. Searching for suitable locomotives for the newly formed company they visited Barry Scrapyard in 1972 and identified 46512 as being a suitable candidate. They struck a deal with Dai Woodham to purchase the loco and tender for just over £3000. Because the company was very short of money Ted Watkinson personally underwrote the purchase price and the loco was transferred to the ownership of the newly formed Highland Locomotive Company Ltd.

Without the determination, vision and financial commitment of those early pioneers, locomotives like 46512 might never have survived into preservation.

Today, 46512 is one of the locomotives that helps bring the Strathspey Railway to life for visitors from around the world.

🎟️ Book your journey online: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability.

#46512

05/06/2026

☕🍰 Escape the everyday and enjoy a leisurely Afternoon Steam Tea through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Sit back and relax as our heritage train carries you through beautiful Highland scenery, while you enjoy a tempting selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, delicious cakes, and tea or coffee.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself, Afternoon Steam Tea offers a wonderfully nostalgic way to spend an afternoon.

Looking for something extra special? Upgrade to First Class or our exclusive VIP Saloon and enjoy an even more luxurious experience, complete with a glass of Prosecco. 🥂

📍 Departures from Aviemore at 12:45 or 15:00
🚂 1hour 40 minute Return steam* train journey included
🎟️ Advance booking recommended

Book your Afternoon Steam Tea today:
www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability

03/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week 2026 - Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers

This week is Volunteers' Week, a chance to celebrate the amazing people who give their time, skills and enthusiasm to causes across the UK.

At the Strathspey Railway, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From operating and maintaining the locomotives, greeting passengers at stations and checking tickets on our trains, to maintaining carriages, track, signalling and much more, hundreds of volunteer hours help keep this historic railway running. Many of the experiences our visitors enjoy simply wouldn't be possible without them.

Whether they volunteer once a week, once a month, or during special events, every contribution makes a difference. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for railways, heritage and preserving something special for future generations.

To every volunteer who gives their time to the Strathspey Railway, thank you. Your dedication, knowledge, hard work and enthusiasm help keep steam alive in the Highlands. 🚂❤️

Interested in joining our volunteer family? Training and support are provided, and opportunities exist across many different departments, both customer-facing and behind the scenes. Find out more here: https://strathspeyrailway.co.uk/volunteering.html